Siddhartha (Modern Library Classics)

I tried reading a different translation of this book about three years ago, and I just could not get into it the way I did with this one. Admittedly, that could be because it was three years ago and I have certainly changed during that time, but I definitely think that the translation was at least part of it. This particular translation is gorgeous, and I have fallen in love with the book itself as a result. It is a fantastic story that has been so beautifully translated that I want to learn German so I can read the original. I read it twice in the first week I had it, and it has since become the book I carry around with me and start reading whenever I have some extra time and need something to do. I have been able to find so much wisdom, meaning, and significance in this book. Indeed, I am not usually the type of person to read the stuff that comes before the book actually starts (introduction, forward, translator's note, etc.), but I did that with this and found even that fascinating. In short, I would highly recommend this book, and this translation, to anyone wishing to be treated to a lovely, peaceful story told with elegance and simplicity.

Amazingly written book. The story flows like a silent river imparting spiritual wisdom. This is so much of a spiritual text than a regular story. Set in ancient India, the story is about the journey of a man out to discover himself and learn the lessons of life with his own experiences. The essence of the narrative is in how he goes through the various stages of his life and is being transformed. I am sure I will read this book again in the future. Probably more than once. I am sure that with every read, I will discover a different perspective from the content.

Most people have read Siddhartha, this is the 5th time for me although before it was Hilda Rosner's translation. First I want to say I am subtracting a star because of the intro by Tom Robbins. In the beginning he made a statement that Hesse experimented with "hallucinogenic mescaline". I did not know this and started researching it. I could find statements that he "may" have and one biographer said maybe but he doesnt think so. How can Robbins make such a flat out statement unless he has some proof. This bothered me and I stopped reading the intro. I dont see this statement as being true so now I would question everything he claims. The into should be removed unless they have evidence. For the translation, it is good. I was comparing it to Rosner's from time to time as I read. The wording is not radically different, a little similar actually but Bernofsky's flows well and has good rhythm. There were 3 things that seemed questionable. She used the word "bar" where as Rosner uses "inn" and "pen pusher" to Rosner's "sacrificial official". Bar and pen pusher seemed to me a little inauthentic and did not to fit the people and times then. Also Bernofsky uses the term "child people" ("Kind Menschen"), whereas Rosner uses "ordinary people" ("gewoumlhnliche Menschen") throughout the book. Child people just sounded awkward to me. I wonder what the German words that Hesse used would actually translate to. Although Theodore Ziolkowski uses "child-people" in his analysis of Siddhartha. I suppose it does describe better how Siddhartha viewed the people that played the daily games of ordinary life. In terms of translation theory sometimes the literal translation looses some of its meaning into the English phrase resulting in a more workman like translation. It seems Bernofsky has more successfully captured the spirit of what the author intended. These may be picky things, they just stuck in my mind while reading. But it reads very well and I would recommend it. Everyone should read Hesse, it is a real treat.

I got this book for English class. Wonderful story and I got an A on the assignment.

I really enjoyed this book. After looking constantly looking up the foreign religious words, I realized that most of them are in the back of the book! Didn't even think to look. Definitely useful just to flip to the back and check. Although this is the first version I've read, I'd recommend it. Everything seemed to flow well. I didn't notice any inconsistencies that could've been explained by bad translation.Enjoy!

A wonderful translation of a story I fell in love with 38 years ago. Siddhartha, it is difficult to comprehend how anyone would not fall in love with this tale. Like a cool breeze on a scorching summer day it awakens the senses and enliven' s. Beautiful, heartfelt and one to keep in your library or share with a friend.

This book does not even approach the complexity and completeness of The Glass Bead Game which I think is this author's best book by far. It is however a good book lengthwise and subject wise for someone who is not familiar with Hermann Hesse who was certainly a master at his craft. They don't write like that anymore because the average reader would prefer entertainment over knowledge and Siddhartha is a bit more entertaining than the Glass Bead Game but it does have it moments of where knowledge of the Eastern spirituality that Hermann Hesse knew so well does come out even though it is just a story. There is much that the reader can glean from these fields that doesn't require weeks of study to obtain like the Glass Bead Game.

I bought this book so I could read an modern translation of this classic book. The translator, Susan Bernofsky, absolutely rocks this translation. It is more descriptive and the story is full of richer details than the previous translations. No matter if you are a first time reader or a multitimer, this book will satisfy you better than a night with Kamala.

I love this book and this author!! and this edition is fantastic!! Beautiful hard cover, nicely designed and with extra information, which every one who love the book, would like to know as well. The best edition of Sidhartha I came across.

One who can understand philospphy of life or living he will not stop reading this book fantastic writing.

happy about the purchase ! A world famous book by Hermann Hesse

A truely awesome story overflowing with wisdom and insight. Great

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